Five simple ways to elevate your portraits

1. Plan Your Outfits with Intention

For Graduation Photos:

Choose 2-3 outfits that showcase different sides of your personality (casual, dressy, or something unique to your interests).
Layers, jackets, and accessories like hats or jewelry can add variety without a full outfit change.
Think about your shoes—pick ones that complement each look and bring a pair that are comfortable for walking- we may do a lot of walking between locations.

For Headshots/Branding:

Choose professional yet approachable outfits that align with your brand or industry.
Stick to neutral or jewel tones, as they flatter most skin tones and look polished on camera.
Avoid busy patterns, loud prints, or trendy pieces that might feel outdated quickly.
If possible, bring a blazer or outer layer to add variety to your images.

Families & Couples:

Gather ideas from photos you like.
Pick one person to base the rest of the outfits around. Everyone should coordinate, not match. Think solids, one person with a textured cardigan, or one person with a gingham shirt will work as long as the color grouping flow and everyone is not in a print.
Have everyone try on their clothing in advance to make sure everything still fits.
The details matter. Belts, shoes, socks, accessories...all things should be considered. A running shoe will completely alter the look of a pair of dress khakis and a sport coat and not in a good way!

Hair: Get a trim or style refresh a week before (not the day before!) so it has time to settle naturally.
Makeup: Keep it natural and polished. A matte foundation helps reduce shine, especially for outdoor shots in the hot and humid south!
Facial Hair: Guys should trim facial hair and moisturize for a fresh, clean look.
Nails: Keep nails clean and well-groomed.

Stay hydrated and moisturize in the days leading up to your session for fresh, glowing skin.
Avoid trying new skincare treatments right before your shoot to prevent breakouts or irritation.
If you’re prone to shine, bring oil-blotting sheets for quick touch-ups.

Practice smiling naturally in the mirror to find your best angles.
Relax your shoulders and avoid stiff posture.
For branding sessions, think about the message you want your expressions to convey—confidence, approachability, or creativity.
For seniors, candid shots often feel the most natural, so be yourself!

A well-rested face looks fresher, so get good sleep the night before.
Bring touch-up essentials like a comb, powder, lip balm, and a backup outfit in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Plan to arrive a little early to shake off any last-minute stress and feel confident going into your session.